Simple October

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Bye - Bye Law School.

If feels surreal that David is graduating from Law School in 16 days. (but who's counting?) *wink
He took his last final the beginning of this week. Crazy, right?!
I am just a little excited to be done with this chapter of our lives. I mean, it's been four years. Which seems crazy because it doesn't seem like it was that long and yet walking through it felt like we would never see this day.
I am one proud wife. It would be hard not to be proud of him since he's so amazing!
Proud of you, babe! ; )

Let's just talk about how incredible it is that we made it through law school with everything else that has happened in the last four years. Namely, what we've been through with our boys. The speech delay, therapy, the diagnosis. Most days it feels like a miracle that we are still standing, but we are.
We are preparing to embark on brand new adventure. (more on that later) Everything feels like it's happening fast, which is odd since we have been planning this for a while, and some days it's more than overwhelming. One day at a time. Deep breathes. Ha! Seriously though, major stuff in the works here, so if you don't see me for a bit, that's why. I can't wait to share our new adventures and awesome beginnings, so check back every now and then. I'll post again soon! Thanks for following our adventures.

*celebration cupcakes / Hooray for no more school!

Monday, April 22, 2013

A little travel with two...

Traveling with kids can be a real challenge, as I'm sure many of you know.

With that being said, we have a little travel system that seems to work for us and I thought it might be fun to share.
Seeing how others pack or do their daily tasks is always interesting to me.

Being prepared is absolutely essential for me.
Now that the boys are older, there are some things that have become easier. I don't usually pack a cooler with milk anymore. I know most restaurant's usually serve milk but when they were much younger we would run into places that didn't or were out. That used to be a big deal to these boys. These days, ice water is alright, if that's what we have.



So, I always pack a large bag of snacks, breakfast items, and drinks for all. David and I don't really snack when we travel but sometimes I need a little something to keep me going. This time I packed some roasted almonds and pita chips.
Since the boys are picky with what they will eat, it's best that I have stuff on hand all the time anyway. I carry our plastic food storage containers with us. It keeps the snacks fresh and I can wash the containers when we get home, so not a big deal. Also, I bring water bottles, 24 pack, with us and whatever David wants to drink (Gatorade this time.) to keep costs down and stay hydrated.



Snack cups...they go everywhere with us still. Then I also bring their milk/juice cups and separate water cups. All of these I wash out at the end of our day so they're ready for the next day. If I know we are going to be in a hotel, I pack a small bottle of dish soap and we keep paper towels in our car anyway.

This large utility tote from Thirty-One fits nicely on the floorboard in the backseat of our car. Plus, it holds so much! It's what I used for all our snacks this trip.

On to toys...
I changed up how I packed toys this trip.
Usually I have a container of toys and books that sits between their car seats so they can reach for whatever they want.
This time, I packed them each a plastic tool box of toys. The tool boxes fit on their laps and they could play with what they wanted, on their own. It worked great! There was minimal fighting over toys and both seemed pleased to have their own container of stuff. Using the boxes also helped to keep them more entertained with the toys since they didn't have access to them all the time. They fit on the floor right in front of their seats and I handed them to them when they needed some distraction.

 
 
 
Also included: books that I kept aside for later
                         Doodle pads
                         Alphabet electronic toys (their favorites, of course)
                         wallets from Aunt Julie with zipped up surprises (encouraging that fine motor skill of 
                         unzipping/zipping)
 
                         Travel DVD player and DVDs.........a serious must. They don't get to watch it most of
                         the trip but there are is always that moment when they don't want to sit there anymore
                         but you can't stop again just yet. It's a real lifesaver! Completely distracts them.
 
Then lastly, I whipped up this adorable terry cloth toothbrush travel bag for them.
I used Noodlehead's tutorial to make this. I found it ages ago and just got around to making one myself. I love it!
 
 
 
 
None of this makes travel a breeze but it does make it just a little smoother.
 
I hope you found this inspiring for your next trip or at the very least interesting.
Do you have any special tips that work for you when traveling with little ones?
I'd love to hear what they are!  

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wordless Wednesday / the line-up





Keepin' it real! These blankets have been sitting here in this corner since March.
How's that for real?










Monday, April 15, 2013

Simple October Shop Update

Hooray for all the warmer weather were we are!
Although, I'm not looking forward to the extreme heat that will be here all too soon.

Enough about the weather, let's get to the good stuff!

I am loving these large zippered bags for carrying extra sets of clothes to the splash park.

 
Perfect to keep you organized on your next family vacation.
Are you swooning over this yellow chevron like I am? Love.
 
 
How about this grey floral and bright pink dots? Gorgeous!
 


Of course I had to restock this lovely teal damask and grey dots. One of my favorites!
 
Which one is your favorite?
 
 
 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Easter Sunday

One went to service.
Three stayed home.

This mama stayed up late making little fabric baskets.
I decided to go ahead and make them, since I want them for their room.
Also, I was being lazy about pulling their Easter baskets out of our storage closet.
The irony..........making these took a lot more time than getting them from the porch.
Oh, well!
They are sweet and adorable with their navy polka dot fabric and herringbone ribbon handles.

























Filled with a few special treats for two little boys. Perfect.

We had dinner (lunch) together.
Roast beef, roasted carrots and brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls.

















































Boys and cloth napkins = something silly.
This is the life.















The four of us took a wonderful afternoon nap while it thundered and poured outside.
Best nap in a long time.

Ready to welcome April. We have six weeks till graduation. The days feel so long and yet speed by.
Onward we go!

...................................................................................................................................................

The winners from our weekend giveaway!

1st - personalized notecards - Leanne Schaffhauser
2nd - mini felt gift bag - Becky Ross
3rd - mini zippered bag - Kristin Laurel Rippy

Please send me an email at ekinsaul@yahoo.com with your shipping address.

Thanks for joining in the fun!

*All entry winners were chosen using random.org.